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PINTEREST-WORTHY BOOKSHELVES IN 3 STEPS.

The Ratio of Essentials*

*Our favorites are coming up on the blog next week

1 - MIX IT UP.

Think of each shelf as a vignette.

-Combine different orientations, quantities, and placements. Some shelves can be mixed with horizontal and vertical books and others can be entirely one way. Varied groupings and placements add visual interest.

-Blend in objects & art to add dimension. The art can be propped up inside the shelves or you can hang larger pieces. Objects can stand alone or rest on a stack of books. The more organic shapes break up the monotony of linear books.

-Mix in color & texture. If you have a variety of color in the book bindings, stick to black and white art to break it up. Alternatively, get your color fix with decorative vases and bookends.

Photo: Amber Interior Design

Photo: Elle Decor

2 - CONSISTENCY.

Yes. We're hypocrites. (See step 1)

-Have a collection of ceramics to display? Stacks of National Geographic? Hoarding vintage Vogues? (Us, too!) Fill up that bookcase while keeping it cohesive and special. Have an assortment of objects? Unify them by using objects in the same color palette.

-Keep it personal. Purchasing the first bookends you find to sit near whatever objects are on sale will not feel like home. Let it evolve over time with collectables from your travels and antique finds.

-We always love a bookshelf that matches the color of the walls behind it. Or one with a distinct color scheme. Just saying.

-Similarly, you can’t go wrong with symmetrical bookcases. Flank a doorway, a fireplace, or a desk for a unified look.

Photo: Apartment 34

Photo: Tamara Magel

3 - SCALE & BALANCE.

Your eyes will thank you.

-Larger items serve as the anchors. Place those first and fill in with smaller accessories.

-Don’t overcrowd the shelves. Open space for breathing room is the perfect finishing touch.

-The shelves should feel dynamic and interesting, not cluttered. Maintain balance by taking a step back and seeing where your eye is drawn. If you don’t know where to look, start peeling back some layers.